Certified True Copy Of Court Judgment On NDC Deregistration Surfaces (Full Details)

According to IReporter Online, a Certified True Copy of the Federal High Court judgment concerning the deregistration dispute involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has surfaced, revealing detailed judicial reasoning behind the decision that set aside an earlier ruling which had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Isa H. Dashen at the Lokoja Judicial Division, nullified the December 10, 2025 judgment on the grounds that it failed to include the Peace Movement Party (PMP), an affected party whose legal interests were directly tied to the disputed political party logo. The court held that PMP was not joined in the original suit despite its prior involvement in submitting the same “two-finger victory” symbol to INEC.

The certified judgment shows that the application was brought by PMP through its Protem National Legal Adviser, Barrister Emmanuel Uzowuru, seeking an extension of time and an order setting aside the earlier decision. The court document also outlines extensive filings from all parties, including counter-affidavits, reply affidavits, and written addresses, which were considered before the final ruling was delivered.

In its determination, the court examined whether the absence of PMP in the earlier proceedings amounted to a breach of fair hearing. It noted that while the original suit centered on INEC’s refusal to register the NDC, the undisclosed competing claim over the disputed logo was a material fact that ought to have been disclosed and considered.

The court further emphasized that although it is generally functus officio after delivering judgment, it retains jurisdiction to set aside a decision where a fundamental breach of fair hearing is established. Citing constitutional provisions and several judicial authorities, Justice Dashen held that any order affecting the rights of an affected party who was not heard violates Section 36(1) of the Constitution.

The court concluded that PMP’s interest in the disputed logo was neither remote nor speculative but directly impacted by the earlier judgment. It ruled that the failure to join the party rendered the proceedings constitutionally defective.

Consequently, the court granted the application, set aside the December 10, 2025 judgment in Suit No. FHC/LKI/CS/49/2025, and ordered that the case revert to the stage it was before the judgment was delivered. The parties were also directed to take appropriate procedural steps for the continuation of the matter, with no order as to costs.